How to get a real estate license in Texas
Texas requires 180 hours of qualifying education in six 30-hour courses, a fingerprint background check, and a two-part Pearson VUE exam. TREC issues an inactive license until a sponsoring broker accepts you.
Last checked October 2026. Official source: Texas Real Estate Commission
- License
- Real estate sales agent
- Pre-licensing education
- 180 hours
- State exam
- Pearson VUE. National and state portions, 70% required on each.
- Background check
- Fingerprints through IdentoGO (IDEMIA) for TREC specifically. Prints taken for another agency aren't accepted.
- Broker
- You receive an inactive license after passing. It becomes active when a sponsoring broker accepts your request in TREC's REALM portal.
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Steps to get licensed in Texas
- 1
Complete 180 hours of qualifying education
Take six 30-hour courses from a TREC-approved provider.
- 2
Apply through TREC's REALM portal
Upload your course certificates and pay the $206 application fee. You have one year from filing to meet every requirement.
- 3
Get fingerprinted
Schedule with IdentoGO once you receive your exam eligibility notice. The fee is about $37.
- 4
Pass the Pearson VUE exam
Pass both the national and state portions. Each attempt costs $43.
- 5
Get sponsored by a broker
Send a sponsorship request in REALM. Your license goes active once the broker accepts.
Required courses
| Course | Hours |
|---|---|
| Principles of Real Estate I | 30 |
| Principles of Real Estate II | 30 |
| Law of Agency | 30 |
| Law of Contracts | 30 |
| Promulgated Contract Forms | 30 |
| Real Estate Finance | 30 |
| Total | 180 |
TREC requires a TREC-approved course. College credits don't substitute for the 180 hours.
State fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application feeFee schedule effective December 15, 2025 | $206 |
| Exam feePer attempt, paid to Pearson VUE | $43 |
| FingerprintingPaid to IdentoGO | About $37 |
| Fitness determination (optional)Only if you want TREC to review your background before applying | $54 |
Course tuition is set by each school and isn't included.
After you're licensed
- The license term is two years.
- Before your first renewal, complete 90 hours of Sales Agent Apprentice Education plus TREC Legal Update I and II.
Licensed in another state?
Texas does not offer general reciprocity. Check TREC for credit available to licensed out-of-state applicants.
Texas real estate license FAQ
Who issues real estate licenses in Texas?
The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) issues the real estate sales agent license in Texas. Its official website is www.trec.texas.gov.
How many hours of pre-licensing education does Texas require?
Texas requires 180 hours of approved pre-licensing education. TREC requires a TREC-approved course. College credits don't substitute for the 180 hours.
What courses do I need to take for a Texas real estate license?
The required coursework is Principles of Real Estate I (30 hours), Principles of Real Estate II (30 hours), Law of Agency (30 hours), Law of Contracts (30 hours), Promulgated Contract Forms (30 hours), and Real Estate Finance (30 hours).
What is the Texas real estate exam like?
Pearson VUE. National and state portions, 70% required on each.
Is a background check required in Texas?
Fingerprints through IdentoGO (IDEMIA) for TREC specifically. Prints taken for another agency aren't accepted.
Do I need a sponsoring broker to get licensed in Texas?
You receive an inactive license after passing. It becomes active when a sponsoring broker accepts your request in TREC's REALM portal.
How much does a Texas real estate license cost?
State fees include application fee ($206), exam fee ($43), fingerprinting (About $37), and fitness determination (optional) ($54). Course tuition is set by each school and is not included.
Can I transfer a real estate license from another state to Texas?
Texas does not offer general reciprocity. Check TREC for credit available to licensed out-of-state applicants.
What do I need to do after getting my Texas real estate license?
The license term is two years. Before your first renewal, complete 90 hours of Sales Agent Apprentice Education plus TREC Legal Update I and II.
Get course info for Texas
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Requirements and fees change. Confirm the current rules with the Texas Real Estate Commission before you enroll or apply.